Planning a holiday under the Vaccinated Travel Lane? Here’s a concise list of information you need to kickstart your travels.

As you may have heard, the borders are opening further due to the Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) and we’re all one step closer to our desired destinations. Say hello to the feeling of leisurely strolling down the shopping streets of Myeongdong or taking a photo in front of the Eiffel Tower. But before you let your imagination run with possible adventures, what are the new restrictions to take note of and COVID-19 tests to do? How can you be prepared for travelling during a pandemic?

It can be tedious to figure out the long list of regulations to adhere to. Fret not as we cover the basics in this article, as concise as possible, to help you set sail on your travels.

Who is eligible?

Just as its name suggests, the VTL is open to all fully vaccinated individuals. This means two weeks after receiving the full regimen of the vaccine. Vaccinations that are permitted are any World Health Organisation (WHO) Emergency Use Listing vaccines such as Moderna and the Pfizer-BionNTech.

Of course, you would need proof of your vaccination and for Singapore, individuals can show their vaccination status on the HealthHub or TraceTogether app. Alternatively, you could digitise and download your vaccination certificate if you’re afraid of app issues overseas.

Families with young children don’t have to miss out on the year-end holidays either as unvaccinated children under 12 years old (born in or after 2009) are also mostly allowed. They just have to be¹:

1. Accompanied by a fully vaccinated traveller
2. Singaporean, a permanent resident, short-term visitor or long-term pass holder
3. In one of the VTL countries for 14 days before returning to Singapore
4. Taking a designated VTL flight

When and where can I go under the VTL?²

• From September 8 2021, Germany and Brunei
• From October 19 2021, Canada, Denmark, France, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States
• From November 15 2021, South Korea

What flights can I take?

Travellers departing Singapore to any VTL country can take any flight.

However, for travellers arriving in Singapore, they must take a designated VTL flight from any VTL country. Additionally, they would have had to remain in one or more of the VTL countries for the last 14 days before departure to Singapore.

What are the processes?

Travellers departing Singapore:

Various VTL countries have different requirements. Before travelling, you should check the latest advisories from your intended destination to confirm what requirements they have for travellers. For example, South Korea will allow unvaccinated children under 12 years old, but will not allow children of other ages who do not qualify for vaccination.

There are also health requirements such as pre-departure tests to take, or pre-departure test/vaccination certificates that are internationally accepted. Generally, most countries allow a quarantine and test-free entry under the VTL.

A place where you can find out different countries’ restrictions and requirements is here, by simply entering your destination into the generator. For pre-departure PCR tests required, you can make an appointment at any Ministry of Health-approved COVID-19 test providers. Do remember that you would need to allocate sufficient time to receive the results of the test before your flight.

And for the latest information on departing Singapore, you can refer to the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority website.

Travellers arriving in Singapore:

• Non-Singaporeans and non-permanent Residents (PRs) have to first apply for a Vaccination Travel Pass before entry.
• All travellers (including children under 12 years old) must take two PCR tests. One within 48 hours pre-departure and one on-arrival, where results will be out within 24 hours. Children under two years old are not required to take any tests.
• Travellers then have to self-isolate while waiting for the results. This means driving, taking taxi or private hire car from the airport straight to the place of accommodation. Travellers can isolate alone or with vaccinated household members they travelled with. If there are other occupants, those required to do self-isolation must do so in a room with an attached bathroom.

For an in-depth checklist to prepare returning to Singapore, you could refer to ICA’s list here. To have a smoother process, travellers can sign up for Changi Airport’s Safe Travel Concierge here, where you can book on-arrival tests and more.

How can I be more prepared?

Pre-COVID-19, we already had to keep safe and protect ourselves for whatever may happen on foreign land. The pandemic brought along additional necessary precautions to better ensure our health and safety. On top of flights to book, things to pack and holiday itinerary to plan, being covered by travel insurance is one of the steps that travellers take as an additional measure.

Given the travelling circumstances, COVID-19 coverage should be included as well. For FWD’s Travel insurance, adding the COVID-19 enhanced travel benefit 3 keeps you financially protected in the event you are diagnosed with COVID-19 before, during or after your trip. Have the option to cover up to S$1k in non-refundable costs for trip cancellation and up to S$100k on COVID-19 medical expenses incurred during or after your trip. The comprehensive add-on also covers emergency evacuation or repatriation.

Begin your long-awaited travels with a peace of mind. Easily get a quote for the plan here and enjoy a special 30% off discount if you purchase a plan before 31 October 2021.

¹ Source: Taking your kids abroad through vaccinated travel lanes: What you need to know – CNA (channelnewsasia.com)

² Source: Vaccinated and want to travel? Here’s what you need to know (channelnewsasia.com)

³For a travel period of 30 days or less

Information accurate as of 26 October 2021

This is for general information only and does not constitute financial advice.

This policy is protected under the Policy Owners’ Protection Scheme which is administered by the Singapore Deposit Insurance Corporation (SDIC). Coverage for your policy is automatic and no further action is required from you. For more information on the types of benefits that are covered under the scheme as well as the limits of coverage, where applicable, please contact FWD Singapore Pte. Ltd. your insurer (or name of Scheme member) or visit the GIA/LIA or SDIC web-sites (www.gia.org.sg or www.lia.org.sg or www.sdic.org.sg).

This advertisement has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.